The Gauhati High Court on Thursday denied anticipatory bail to Congress leader Pawan Khera in connection with a case filed by Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, the wife of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The case pertains to alleged misuse of passport details and was lodged on April 6 against Khera and others acting in connivance with him.
Case Background
Riniki Bhuyan Sharma, who is also a prominent businesswoman, had filed the complaint accusing Khera of illegally accessing and misusing her passport information. The matter escalated into a political controversy, with the Congress leader denying any wrongdoing. Khera had sought anticipatory bail fearing arrest, but the court rejected his plea, citing the seriousness of the allegations.
Legal Proceedings
Justice Manash Ranjan Pathak of the Gauhati High Court observed that the investigation is at a crucial stage and granting bail could hamper the probe. The court also noted that the allegations involve breach of privacy and potential misuse of sensitive personal data. The prosecution opposed the bail, arguing that Khera might tamper with evidence or influence witnesses if released.
Political Reactions
The ruling BJP in Assam welcomed the court's decision, terming it a victory for justice. State minister Pijush Hazarika said, "This proves that no one is above the law, and those who misuse personal data will face consequences." Meanwhile, Congress leaders criticized the denial, calling it a politically motivated case. Party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said, "Khera is being targeted for exposing corruption. We will challenge this order in the Supreme Court."
The case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of the chief minister's family. Riniki Bhuyan Sharma is known for her work in the media and hospitality sectors. She had earlier stated that the misuse of her passport data was a serious breach of her fundamental right to privacy.
Next Steps
Khera's legal team has indicated that they will approach the Supreme Court for relief. The investigation by the Assam Police is ongoing, with authorities examining digital records to trace the source of the data leak. The court has directed the police to complete the probe within a month and submit a status report.
The passport row has become a flashpoint between the ruling and opposition parties, with both sides accusing each other of unethical practices. As the legal battle continues, the case highlights the growing concerns over data privacy and political vendetta in India.
